Avoiding Pickpockets 101

As somebody who cares a lot about the contents of her bag and of course, her fabulous bags, I would like to share some tips on avoiding pickpockets should you have to visit a tourist spot wherever.? You know these tourist spots are usually crammed with people (especially on holidays like last weekend), and you have to be alert at all times.

1.? Avoid carrying tote bags with short handles.
Sure it looks trendy wearing your bag on your arm like all those cool celebs, but do realize that this way, your bag will easily slide off your arm.? Instead, choose a shoulder bag where you can place the whole compartment under your arm pit.? Like to carry lots of stuff?? Opt for a postman bag that’s wearable across your body.? But remember, keep the bag on your side or slightly in front to make sure you always know what’s going down.

2.? Separate, separate.
Mom said, “Never keep your eggs in one basket.”? Now that might sound only applicable for investments, savings and bank accounts… but seriously, apply this rule whenever you go traveling.? Keep some cash in your wallet, along with some of your credit cards… but also keep a spare credit card and some cash on a different compartment inside your bag.? This way, should your wallet be stolen, at least you can get a cab or ride a bus home or to a nearest safe place without worry.

3.? Dress fabulously, but not too much.
What attracts pickpockets is mainly how you carry yourself.? It’s ok to be stylish and such, but it’s just not ok to flaunt your blings in a touristy spot.? Bear in mind that less is always more.? It’s not just a fashion saying, it actually said by the local police nowadays.

4.? Never ever forget to zip and click.
Forgetting to zip up your bag or clicking down the flap of your fabulous messenger bag is a terrible mistake.? Take your time after paying for your stuff, or leaving the ATM machine.? People who are waiting in line behind you might be grumbling because they think you’re being slow, but hey, do they help you replace your cash and credit cards after they get stolen?? Yeah,? I don’t think so either.? So have a thicker ear and let them grumble.? All you have to care about is that your stuff are tucked in safely.

5.? Be alert at all times.
Not trying to make you look like a paranoid person, but being alert means being aware of your stuff and your surroundings.? It is possible to still enjoy whatever it is you are enjoying while being alert at the same time.? Be extra alert when queuing, or surrounded by many people at a time.

6.? Scream it out.
No matter how alert we try to be, we never know what might come before us.? So should somebody grabs your bag and tries to run away with it, scream out loud to get attention because in this individualistic world, there are still prince charmings everywhere, ready to save a damsel in distress.

There you go, some safety tips from the Anuschka girl

July 07 2008 02:55 pm | Tips